Singapore Airlines (SQ) has officially named the newly opened Air India Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as its designated partner lounge for eligible premium passengers.
The decision comes shortly after Singapore Airlines relocated its operations from the G gates to Concourse A on 30 March 2026, a move that disrupted its previous convenient access to the United Polaris Lounge, which had long served Business Class travellers at SFO, Mainly Miles reported.
Temporary Arrangements Now Replaced
Following the relocation, Singapore Airlines initially provided Business Class passengers and PPS Club/KrisFlyer Elite Gold members with food and beverage vouchers, allowing them to dine at select airport restaurants while awaiting departure.
That interim arrangement has now ended, with the airline formally shifting lounge access to the newly opened Air India Maharaja Lounge.
Inside the New Maharaja Lounge
Opened in late March 2026, the Air India Maharaja Lounge is located in the International Terminal’s Concourse A on Level 4, positioned between the China Airlines Lounge and the Golden Gate Lounge. It can be reached by turning left after security and taking the escalators upstairs.
The lounge operates daily from 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM and is accessible to:
- First and Business Class passengers departing on Singapore Airlines and other Star Alliance carriers
- PPS Club members
- KrisFlyer Elite Gold members
The space spans approximately 3,400 square feet, making it relatively compact compared to other SFO lounges. Despite its size, it features a modern interior design, varied seating zones, and a staffed bar area.
However, one notable limitation is the absence of shower facilities, which may be a drawback for long-haul travellers preparing for overnight flights.
Air India’s Wider Lounge Expansion Strategy
The SFO lounge is part of a broader global upgrade program by Air India as it works to modernise its premium ground experience.
The airline is developing a new Maharaja Lounge in Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport (DEL), expected to open around December 2025, along with a dedicated domestic lounge planned for the second half of 2026. Air India already operates a Maharaja Lounge in Bengaluru, which serves as a benchmark for its newer designs.
Internationally, the airline is also upgrading lounges at major hubs, including:
- New York JFK, with completion targeted for March 2026
- San Francisco International Airport, expected to be completed by February 2026
These new and refurbished lounges are intended to offer improved comfort, quiet zones, upgraded dining, and more consistent service standards across Air India’s global network. The airline is simultaneously enhancing its onboard dining and service experience, with updated menus rolling out across international and domestic routes in early 2026.
Lounge Access Alternatives at SFO
Although the Air India Maharaja Lounge is now the designated partner facility, Singapore Airlines Business Class passengers may still access the United Polaris Lounge near the G gates.
However, entry is strictly limited to passengers with a Business Class boarding pass, and elite status alone is not sufficient.
Thanks to airside connectivity between Concourse A, Concourse G, and the domestic terminals, passengers can walk to the Polaris Lounge without exiting security. The journey takes roughly 20 minutes each way.
A faster but more complex alternative involves exiting the secure zone, walking to the G gates security checkpoint, and re-clearing TSA—typically taking around 10 minutes with TSA PreCheck, though return travel and re-screening must also be considered.
For long-haul travellers on flights such as the SQ33 9:30 PM service to Singapore, the detour may still be worthwhile for Polaris Lounge amenities, including dedicated dining and shower facilities.
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Bottom Line
The Air India Maharaja Lounge represents a clear improvement over Singapore Airlines’ temporary voucher-based arrangement at SFO.
While it cannot match the size or full amenities of the United Polaris Lounge, its modern design, convenient Concourse A location, and staffed bar make it a practical and comfortable option for most premium passengers travelling through San Francisco.